Liverpool will be without Luis Suarez for over a month after he was hit with a record eight-game ban by the Football Association for racist abuse.
The Uruguayan looks set to miss the Reds' season-defining schedule after he was charged with using insulting language towards Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in October.
It means that Liverpool could go into a triple header with Manchester City in the Premier League and Carling Cup semi-final in addition to an FA Cup third round tie against Oldham Athletic.
An FA statement claimed that the Independent Regulatory Commission, which had been expected to deliver its findings last Friday, found that Suarez had "used insulting words towards Mr Evra" and
"included a reference to Mr Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3".
In addition to the record ban, Suarez had been hit with an £80,000 fine and has yet to be punished for gesticulating to Fulham fans during his side's defeat at Craven Cottage earlier this month.
But the ban will not take effect until after a possible appeal, which Liverpool are expected to lodge within the allotted 14-day period, which means Suarez will remains in contention for tomorrow's visit to Wigan in addition the Boxing Day visit of Blackburn Rovers to Anfield.
Suarez responded to the charge by posting on his personal Twitter account.
He said: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I'll keep working!"
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Ed Francis, UK around 5 months ago